Study Must Be Followed Up by Meditation

“The end of study is information, the end of 7iieditatio)L is practice, or a work upon the affectiotis. Study is like a winter’s sun, that shineth but warmeth not; but meditation is like blowing tip the fire, where we do not mind the blaze but the Meditation being thus the more practical of the two, should not be placed second to study, but should even take precedence of it.

“hi study zue are rather like vi?itners, who take in wine to store for sale; in meditation, like those who btiy wine for iheir own use and coinfort. A vintners cellar may be better stored than a nobleman s. The student may have more of notion and knowledge, but the practical Christia7i hath 7nore of taste and refreshmentl* The student, therefore, is in a sad case if he go no further, for his soul may starve, notwithstanding his stores, if he does not use them. How miserable to die of cold while your cellar is full of coals! To perish with hunger when your granary is full of corn! This is a species of suicide which many commit. For want of due examination and meditation the precious truth of God is of no avail; but the blame lieth at the man’s own door because he would not consider and turn unto the Lord. soul, see to it that thy knowledge is well used for thy sustenance and growth. Retire more than thou hast done and chew the cud by meditation. Thou hast had too little of this. Be zealous, therefore, and mend thy ways in this respect.